Solider killed by ultras in Kupwara

Militants attacked an army search party with automatic weapons leaving one solider dead in Handwara area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir.

Lieutenant Colonel NN Joshi, defence spokesman at Srinagar, told dna that the troops of Rashtriya Riffles and Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir police had launched a combined cordon and search operation on Sunday night.

"When they were tightening the cordon this morning, a terrorist opened heavy volume of fire on the troops. There was an exchange of fire in which one soldier sustained injuries. He later succumbed to his injuries," he said.

Troops have launched a massive search operation to track down the ultras who might be hiding in the area. "The search operation is still on in the area", Lt Col Joshi added.

The firing by militants has come at a time when there is tension on the international border and Line of Control in Jammu division following relentless ceasefire violations by Pakistani rangers and the army.

The killing of soldier comes in the backdrop of Indian army's,massive anti insurgency operations in which 14 militants were killed and six others were arrested despite the worst ever floods in September across the Jammu and Kashmir.